Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

Updates about the National Consistent Payments (NCP) framework from semester 1, 2026.

Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

1. The 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum was held in Canberra on 20 October 2025 and was co-chaired by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and the Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea.
2. Other participating Ministers for Australia were: the Hon Richard Marles MP, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence; Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, and Minister for the Public Service; Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Special Minister of State; the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and Minister for Defence Industry; the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Cyber Security, and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship; the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations; the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General; the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government; and, Senator the Hon Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Assistant Minister for Tourism, and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia.
3. Other participating Ministers for Papua New Guinea were: the Hon John Rosso MP, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning, Urbanisation and Immigration; the Hon Dr Billy Joseph MP, Minister for Defence; the Hon Peter Tsiamalili Jnr MP, Minister for Police and Acting Minister for Information, Communication and Technology; the Hon William Duma MP, Minister for State Enterprises; the Hon Ian Ling-Stuckey CMG MP, Minister for Treasury; the Hon Kinoka Feo MP, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports; the Hon Jason Peter MP Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth, the Hon Richard Maru MP, Minister for International Trade and Investment; the Hon Lucas Dekena MP, Minister for Education; and the Hon Jacob Maki MP, Vice Minister for Police.
4. Ministers noted the significance of this Ministerial Forum being the first since Prime Ministers signed the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – on 6 October 2025, elevating the relationship to an equal and reciprocal Alliance. Ministers underscored that this historic milestone was founded on respect for the sovereignty and mutual benefit of both nations, based on generations of trust and a shared commitment to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful region. Ministers emphasised that the Alliance extended beyond defence and reflected who we are to each other and an elevation across all dimensions of the relationship.
5. Ministers warmly reflected on the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence on 16 September 2025. They affirmed that the bilateral relationship was at a historic high point, acknowledging the maturity of PNG’s democracy and its growing leadership in the region, forged by a shared history, mutual respect and ongoing collaboration. Reaffirming their enduring partnership, Ministers highlighted shared aspirations in an evolving regional and global landscape.
6. Ministers recognised the depth of the contemporary relationship between PNG and Australia, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). Ministers welcomed significant achievements and progress since the 2024 Ministerial Forum, including: the signing of the Mutual Defence Treaty; the entry into force of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA); the announcement of a deal to support a PNG team – the PNG Chiefs – to play in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) and the National Rugby League Women’s Premiership (NRLW); the release of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Development Partnership Plan (DPP); and multiple parliamentary visits from both countries.

CSEP Pillar 1 – Strong Democracies for a Stable Future

7. Ministers recognised both countries’ shared commitment to the democratic principles that underpin the relationship. PNG welcomed Australia’s gift for the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence of support for the construction of a new wing for PNG’s National Parliament, which recognised the role of our parliaments in reflecting the voices of a country’s people and our common understanding of the democratic principles that underpin the modern Australia-PNG relationship. PNG acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support for PNG’s electoral reform priorities.
8. Ministers discussed the importance of addressing gender inequality and disability-related barriers, strengthening gender and social inclusion partnerships, and responding to gender-based and sorcery accusation-related violence. Ministers welcomed the introduction of PNG’s new Disability Services Bill 2025 and looked forward to working together to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities, supporting their equal inclusion in all aspects of community life.
9. Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the BSA in December 2024. Ministers noted the swift implementation of the ‘full-circle’ law and justice initiatives agreed at the 2024 Ministerial Forum. Ministers acknowledged Australia’s support to PNG authorities in addressing violence in the Highlands – through locally-led peace talks, land mediation, and skills training for at-risk youth and former warlords. Ministers also noted joint efforts with the United Nations and the Centre for Armed Violence Reduction to advance peacebuilding and protection in conflict-affected areas.
10. Ministers acknowledged Australia’s support under the BSA to strengthen PNG’s 16 national law and justice agencies, building capability, improving coordination, and supporting a more resilient justice system. They further welcomed the deepening people-to-people links through court partnerships, 13 Australian judges serving in PNG, and enduring institutional collaboration. They also welcomed Australian technical support to strengthen PNG’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
11. Ministers welcomed that funding through the BSA had made the Australia-PNG policing partnership the largest Australian Federal Police (AFP) partnership globally. Ministers celebrated the completion of new police barracks in Port Moresby and regional offices in Mount Hagen and Kokopo and welcomed new barracks underway in both locations. Ministers welcomed the launch of PNG’s Recruits and Investigations Regional Centre of Excellence on 21 March 2025, a Pacific-led, Australian-backed flagship initiative under the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI). Ministers looked forward to the expansion of recruit training accommodation and facilities under the initiative. The increase in the delivery of barracks will increase police recruits to 700 per year, and is on a path to 1000 a year. To build middle management capability in the RPNGC, Ministers agreed to support under the BSA mentoring from former officers from Commonwealth countries.

CSEP Pillar 2 – Close Friends, Enduring Ties

12. Australia congratulated PNG on the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary of independence. It had been an honour for Prime Minister Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Conroy to join the celebrations in PNG. Ministers acknowledged the breadth of initiatives delivered in both countries to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, including the co-badging of the 2025 Australia Awards as the Somare-Whitlam Awards, and the success of the inaugural PNG-Australia international relations short course. Ministers agreed that the course would be held annually to foster deeper understanding between our two nations.
13. Ministers reflected on the deep cultural ties between Australia and PNG, marking the 40th anniversary of the Torres Strait Treaty’s entry into force. Ministers recognised the Torres Strait as home to our countries’ oldest continuing people-to-people connections. They acknowledged the significant role of the Treaty’s traditional inhabitants in implementing the Treaty and preserving cross-border connections. Ministers noted Australia’s First Nations foreign policy approach, highlighted by the Ambassador for First Nations People’s participation in this year’s Torres Strait Treaty Joint Advisory Council meeting.
14. Ministers reaffirmed PNG and Australia’s partnership with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to support the entry of the PNG National Rugby League (NRL) Franchise – the PNG Chiefs – into the NRL and an elite women’s competition in 2028. Ministers recognised the importance of the Franchise as a symbol of our bilateral relationship and our shared love of sport. Ministers reaffirmed PNG and Australia’s commitment to the long-term success of the PNG Chiefs through expanded player pathways and improved grassroots and community rugby league through the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, including the leadership of the PNG Rugby Football League. This Partnership builds on a long history of successful investments at elite and community levels, including League Bilong Laif, the PNG Hunters, the establishment of the Santos Cup and PNG and Australia’s joint initiative in the PNG NRL Bid Academy.
15. PNG welcomed Australia’s commitment to put in place an NRL visa package to support PNG Chiefs’ players, officials, supporters and media to travel to Australia for NRL games, training and events. The details of the package would be finalised before the end of the year. Ministers agreed to consider further streamlined visa processes to encourage greater connections of our people.
16. Ministers agreed to establish a working group comprising immigration and foreign affairs officials from Australia and PNG. The working group will establish a structured dialogue to continue to simplify visa processes.
17. Ministers also welcomed PNG’s continued participation in the second year of the Pacific Engagement Visa scheme and noted PNG again received the highest visa allocation of participating countries. Ministers agreed that officials should work together to help PNG streamline its processes and address systemic barriers to ensure the program meets the mobility aspirations of PNG citizens and builds the PNG diaspora in Australia.

CSEP Pillar 3 – Economic Partnership for Prosperity

18. Ministers reflected on 50 years of economic cooperation and recognised that supporting the conditions for economic prosperity was at the heart of the relationship today. Ministers recognised the depth of our trade and investment relationship with bilateral trade of AUD7.7 billion in 2024. Ministers also committed to work together to support PNG’s aspirations for greater market access and to develop PNG’s trade capacity and capability to enhance its market integration within Australia, Southeast Asia, and the wider Pacific. Ministers discussed the benefits of free trade agreements in enhancing regional economic integration and acknowledged the role regional trade agreements could play in growing PNG’s market access. Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the WTO Fisheries Agreement.
19. Ministers recognised the crucial role of sustainable infrastructure to attract international investment, support businesses to grow, and provide jobs and livelihoods. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation on critical infrastructure investments, including the AUD200 million of infrastructure delivered this year and an Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility pipeline that includes more than AUD1 billion in grants and loans to support major capital projects in ports (AUD621 million), roads (AUD76 million) and electrification (AUD306 million) across PNG. Ministers acknowledged support from AIFFP in the ports sector.
20. Ministers acknowledged the close existing partnership between PNG and Australia on telecommunications and agreed that bringing down consumer internet prices was critical to improving digital access, driving business investment and economic growth and enabling increased education opportunities through online learning. Ministers further agreed on the importance of ensuring the compatibility and resilience of telecommunication systems. Ministers agreed the next step in advancing our telecommunications partnership was to undertake an independent assessment to guide a blueprint for further reform and investment. Ministers tasked senior officials to complete the assessment by PNG Investment Week (December 2025) with a view to finalising a blueprint prior to the next Ministerial Forum.
21. Ministers reaffirmed the commitment from the 2024 Ministerial Forum and assurance within the 2024 budget support loan to build stronger investment screening structures in PNG that encourage foreign and domestic investment in critical infrastructure that is economically viable and secure. Ministers welcomed the progress officials had made to strengthen assessments made by the Central Agencies Coordinating Committee and encouraged continued effort.
22. PNG welcomed Australia’s support for PNG’s IMF programs and Budget Repair Plan, and PNG acknowledged Australia’s AUD3.1 billion, or PGK8.4 billion, in budget support lending since 2020 as a critical short-term measure linked to PNG’s own economic reform agenda. PNG is expected to repay PGK610.5 million in interest and principal of this vital budget support in 2024. Ministers noted PNG was the only country Australia had provided repeated International Monetary Agreements Act loans to, and agreed this evinced our shared commitment to PNG’s prosperity. Ministers discussed PNG’s progress against assurances attached to the 2024 budget support loan, including maintaining per capita expenditure in health and education, and the declining need for budget support due to budget repair. Australia reflected on the phase down of Australia’s lending and agreed to examine if there were other ways to support PNG’s fiscal reform efforts. Australia commended PNG’s continued progress on its IMF Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Program and the significant economic reform PNG had undertaken since the program’s commencement.
23. Ministers commended the consistent commitment from the Australian and PNG business communities to advocate for the policies and investment needed to foster business confidence. Ministers thanked representatives from the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea and reflected on the constructive discussion in the annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue held on 20 October 2025. They recognised the Dialogue as a cornerstone of business engagement in the bilateral relationship. Ministers welcomed the successful meeting of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business and Senior Officials Working Group in Port Moresby in May 2025 and agreed that senior officials and business representatives convene ahead of the next Dialogue to explore opportunities and address shared challenges.
24. Ministers recognised strong biosecurity systems as a prerequisite to establishing market access protocols for initiating trade in new agricultural products. Ministers welcomed progress to bolster PNG’s biosecurity regime under the Australia-PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program and noted its early successes in capacity building and facilitating connections. Ministers noted ongoing construction of the Australian-funded PCR laboratory in Port Moresby, to enhance biosecurity testing and boost agricultural trade. Ministers reiterated the importance of effective domestic and international agricultural supply chains to support food security and create export opportunities.
25. Ministers agreed that labour mobility programs were a clear win-win option for PNG and Australia. PNG workers are helping meet labour shortages in many sectors of the Australian economy, with PNG’s labour mobility workers in Australia steadily increasing and more than 6,000 worker mobilisations through overseas labour mobility programs since 2019. Ministers agreed more could be done to accelerate the number of Papua New Guineans working in Australia. Ministers agreed that efforts should focus on improved governance arrangements, capacity building for labour mobility systems, work to support demand, and training to ensure a quality work-ready pool. Ministers agreed to diversify, expand and grow PNG’s labour participation across PALM scheme sectors. Ministers also agreed the importance of building a competitive workforce through skills development and training, including formal qualifications.
26. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the peace process between PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the economic development of Bougainville.

CSEP Pillar 4 – Strategic Cooperation for Security and Stability

27. Ministers welcomed the elevation of the relationship to an Alliance under the Pukpuk Treaty, where Australia and PNG share the highest level of strategic trust. The Pukpuk Treaty provided a foundation to expand defence cooperation, enhance interoperability, and strengthen joint responses to regional and global security challenges. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to bringing the Treaty into force upon completion of their respective domestic processes, and to working together to realise its full potential in support of our shared security and a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous. They welcomed the Defence Ministers’ joint statement on practical initiatives to bring effect to the Treaty.
28. Ministers welcomed the commencement of bilateral consultations on a recruitment pathway for Papua New Guinean citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Ministers recognise this initiative as a demonstration of mutual strategic trust.
29. Ministers welcomed the handover of the redeveloped HMPNGS Tarangau (Lombrum Naval Base), and noted it was now a fully operational PNG sovereign asset. They further commended PNG’s successful hosting of the first overseas iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre and joint work to build PNG’s sovereign maritime and aviation capabilities. Ministers noted Australia’s continued support for PNGDF growth and capability enhancement, including infrastructure upgrades, provision of uniforms, and expanded training opportunities.
30. Ministers reflected on Australia and PNG’s close and longstanding cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Ministers welcomed progress on further deepening links between Australian and PNG disaster response agencies, following the Enga Landslide in 2024, including through PNG’s participation in Exercise Convergence in Australia in 2025. Ministers welcomed the announcement of a AUD25 million package of support from Australia to strengthen PNG’s disaster management and response capabilities, including the construction of humanitarian warehouses, a new twinning program between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and PNG’s National Disaster Centre (NDC), as well as scoping support for an emergency command and control centre in the NDC.
31. Ministers acknowledged progress under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cyber Cooperation between Australia and PNG, including the support of and training by the Cyber Rapid Assistance for Pacific Incidents and Disasters (RAPID) facility. Ministers committed to ongoing cooperation on cyber security, cyber resilience and crisis response. Ministers noted the international increased risk of cyber-attacks and acknowledged that all decisions regarding critical digital infrastructure and vendor selection must be made in a manner that advance national security and economic interests. Ministers agreed to discuss opportunities arising from artificial intelligence and data centres, including to improve government services.
32. Ministers welcomed Australia’s support for PNG’s digitalisation agenda and adoption of cloud-based data solutions to improve cyber resilience, including progress on the development of a government cloud audit and roadmap. Ministers welcomed progress towards a Digital Development, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Cyber Security MoU, consolidating and elevating our Cyber and ICT MoUs in the context of the BSA’s emphasis on cyber security and economic opportunity of digital technologies.
33. Ministers welcomed the positive impact of Climate FIRST, the new investment working to increase PNG’s access to global climate-financing and noted Australia and PNG’s focus on forestry cooperation. They recognised the important contribution of PNG forests in reducing global carbon emissions and welcomed progress on the 2023 MoU on Forest Cooperation. Ministers welcomed Australia’s foundational contribution to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is expected to lay the foundation to attract investment by other countries.

CSEP Pillar 5 – Social and Human Development

34. Ministers welcomed Australia’s enduring development partnership with PNG, with an estimated AUD707 million in total Official Development Assistance (ODA) to PNG in 2025-26. Ministers welcomed progress in advancing the resolution of taxation issues impacting ODA, acknowledging the reciprocal commitment of both nations to ensure efficient and effective use of Australian ODA. Ministers acknowledged the importance of timely application and compliance with respective treaty commitments and issuance of PNG Designated Aid Status Certificates to implementing ODA organisations.
35. Ministers welcomed the DPP, and its alignment with goals set out in PNG’s Vision 2050 and Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP-IV). Ministers welcomed the DPP’s focus on driving deeper development cooperation and positive outcomes in health, education, climate, inclusion and protection of marginalised groups, embedding of First Nations’ perspectives, and empowerment of women and girls. Ministers welcomed the continuing efforts of PNG Women Lead to promote gender equality, women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and combat gender-based violence.
36. Ministers reflected on the role of education in effecting lasting change and underscored the importance of PNG’s continued prioritisation of education in its annual budgets. Ministers noted PNG’s progress towards providing accessible, affordable and quality education for all under PNG’s MTDP-IV, and recognised Australia’s commitment to grow its education investment under the DPP in support of these goals. Ministers commended PNG’s successful hosting of the 2025 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers and its role in bringing together education leaders from across the region to discuss shared challenges.
37. Ministers noted the DPP’s commitment to supporting girls’ education and improving school attendance. To this end, Ministers welcomed the announcement of new initiatives supporting improved learning outcomes and retention, including the UNICEF-implemented Smarter Safer Schools and the PNG Secondary Education Program, which will focus on leadership at secondary schools including National Schools of Excellence. Ministers welcomed PNG’s landmark World Bank International Development Association (IDA) loan in education, which will expand Australia’s Partnership for Improving Education program to eight new provinces.
38. Ministers noted the announcement of new initiatives, including the Strongim Wok Long TVET program (PNG-Australia Strengthening TVET program) and Pacific Australia Skills, which give effect to our commitments under the Joint Statement of Intent on Technical and Vocational Education and Training to improving TVET outcomes, upskilling and job access in PNG. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a progress report on the Statement’s implementation at the next Ministerial Forum.
39. Ministers discussed Australia’s long-standing cooperation and investment in PNG’s health sector, partnering to strengthen sustainable access to, and use of, essential health services. Ministers recognised health partnership projects in every PNG province, as well as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Ministers recognised Australian support for infrastructure, including long-standing support for the Daru General Hospital, as an important component in strengthening PNG health systems. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation in responding to health emergencies, including support to PNG’s polio response, and the nearly tripling of Australia’s investment in HIV services this financial year.
40. Ministers welcomed ongoing engagement on democratic governance and service delivery, underpinned by the shared values of inclusion, accountability, and community empowerment. They acknowledged the enduring contribution of the Churches Partnership Program to strengthen the capacity of churches to deliver essential health and education services.

CSEP Pillar 6 – Near Neighbours, Global Partners

41. Ministers emphasised the critical role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), as the apex of the regional architecture in delivering our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Ministers reflected on the importance of PIF unity and deepened regionalism as a path to seizing opportunities and managing challenges facing the region over the coming year. They reflected on the importance of Forum Partners, recognising their contributions in offering diverse perspectives and fostering development, and their alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement.
42. Ministers reflected on Australia and PNG’s close and longstanding cooperation on collective Pacific security responses, including in support of the Biketawa Declaration, the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and now the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. They commended personnel from both countries for participating in all three Pacific Police Support Group deployments, alongside Pacific partners, to Samoa in October 2024, Vanuatu in December 2024, and Palau from June–July 2025, in response to requests for security support and welcomed PNG’s continued leadership through its hosting of the Police Recruit and Investigations Training Facility under the PPI. Ministers looked forward to building stronger regional response capabilities in consultation with other Pacific Island countries. Ministers welcomed PNG’s hosting of the Joint Heads of Pacific Security meeting in 2025. Ministers reaffirmed their support for a coordinated regional response to transnational crime in the Pacific, in line with commitments from the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
43. Ministers acknowledged the value of a Pacific voice at multilateral fora. PNG welcomed Australia’s update on the status of its bid to host the 31st UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP31) in 2026 as a Pacific COP. Ministers committed to continue to work together to advance the bid in the lead up to COP30 in Brazil.

Declaration

This Joint Communiqué reflects discussions at the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum held in Canberra, Australia on 20 October 2025.

Agreed at: Australian Parliament House, Canberra, 20 October 2025

For the Government of Australia
Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Foreign Affairs

For the Government of Papua New Guinea
Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Peter Stefanovic, Host: Well, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is hours away from arriving in Washington, D.C. where he’ll finally get his moment in the Oval Office with Donald Trump early tomorrow morning our time. Joining us live is the Assistant Foreign Minister, Matt Thistlethwaite and the Liberal Senator, Maria Kovacic. Good morning to you both. So, let’s start with you, Matt, this morning. What are we hoping to get out of it? What is a realistic achievement here beyond the actual meeting itself?

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good morning, Pete. Well, obviously Australia and the United States have been close allies since World War II. That will continue into the future. It’s an important meeting. I think it’s a sign of the respect of the relationship. I’m not going to preempt what the discussion topics will be, but I think you’ll find that our Prime Minister will continue to advocate for Australian businesses and exporters that have been affected by the United States tariff regime. I think that there’s good congressional support for AUKUS in the discussions that I’ve had with both Republican and Democratic Congressional representatives. And importantly, I think that Australian rare earths and the fact that we have large deposits of those rare earths is going to be important in the relationship moving forward.

Stefanovic: Yeah. Do you think we’ll get a deal on rare earths, Matt?

Assistant Minister: Look, I’m not going to preempt any of the outcomes. The reality is I don’t know. And I think that Australia is in a good position because we do have those many deposits of rare earths. And importantly, Pete, we have a policy from our government, the Future Made in Australia, to extract those rare earths and to process them here in Australia. We’re making those investments in those businesses and we welcome capital investment from the United States.

Stefanovic: Yeah. And on AUKUS, you know, are you expecting the future of AUKUS to be solid, to be locked in?

Assistant Minister: Well, we’re very confident that AUKUS will be maintained in the discussions that I’ve had with Congressional representatives, both Republicans and Democrats, their strong commitment to AUKUS continuing. That goes for the United Kingdom as well. It’s a tripartite relationship, but I think we have to respect the fact that the United States is going through a review, as Australia has and the United Kingdom has. So, we can’t expect too much because they’ve got to complete that review and that’s an ordinary course of their deliberations there. But we’re confident that AUKUS will be maintained.

Stefanovic: And a final point here on this line of questioning. Do you have to factor in China’s response when it comes to any deal with Donald Trump?

Assistant Minister: Well, obviously China is an important economic partner for Australia, but we act in Australia’s best interests and that has been always the approach of our Prime Minister and our government. We will stand up for Australia’s interests and that will not change.

Stefanovic: Ok, Maria, you’ve been patient. Thank you so much. I’ll get your response to this. So, Matt’s not preempting anything. I mean, it’d be dangerous to do that when you’re talking to Donald Trump because anything can happen on any given day. But just looking from the side here, what are you hoping or expecting could possibly come out of Anthony Albanese’s meeting tomorrow?

Maria Kovacic, Liberal Senator for NSW: Well, we’re really pleased that the Prime Minister finally has a meeting with President Trump. We’ve been after that for a very long time. It’s been, you know, some 350 days since President Trump came to office and we’re having that meeting this week. Ultimately, we want the Prime Minister to do well. We need to ensure that this meeting delivers in terms AUKUS, in terms of trade and ensuring our national security. They are really critical things for us and so far the Prime Minister hasn’t been able to give us any guarantees. We have the conversations now in relation to rare earth minerals, but we also have concerns in relation to the tariffs on copper and pharmaceuticals, too.

Stefanovic: Yeah, that’s true. I mean, might there be something on pharma, Matt?

Assistant Minister: Well, we’ve always been of the view that the PBS is off the table. It’s an important part of the Australian health framework and is not up for negotiation and our Prime Minister has made that clear. It’s been a policy of our government. It’s good to see that that has bipartisan support as well from the Coalition. So, we’ll act and advocate in the interests of not only Australian businesses, but the Australian population when it comes to our health care and maintaining that.

Stefanovic: All right, Maria, let’s close out in Barnaby. Just had a brief conversation with him, but if he defects, if he moves from the Nationals to One Nation. He didn’t confirm that, but it seems as though that’s how it’s tracking. What would your response be to that?

Kovacic: Look, it’s a matter for the National’s party room, obviously for them to have this conversation and I’ve seen the media, as have others, and it is unclear, as you state, there are some stories saying one thing and some another. So, you know, it’s a matter for that party room and for Barnaby to have that conversation with David Littleproud, his leader.

Stefanovic: Would it be a blow for the Coalition or, you know, is it still somewhat linked to One Nation, therefore it wouldn’t matter?

Kovacic: Look, these things happen in the political spectrum. If you look over the last term of Parliament, we had Dorinda Cox move from the Greens to Labor. We saw Tammy Tyrrell leave Jacqui Lambie, we saw Lidia Thorpe leave the Greens, we saw Fatima Payman leave Labor and become an Independent. I don’t think, you know, there’s too much here that’s unusual. It’s just a reality, I guess, of political life.

Stefanovic: You got a closing thought on that, Matt?

Assistant Minister: Well, the Liberal National Party is in disarray, Pete, and that was evident in the interview that you did with Barnaby, because Barnaby still hasn’t made his mind up about whether he’s going to stay in the National Party or he’s going to go to One Nation. I think that that’s symbolic of the disarray in the Coalition at the moment. Sussan Ley’s doing a speech today. There’s no detail, there’s no costings. And the reason for that, Pete, is she’s been preoccupied with looking over her shoulder at her leadership and who’s about to challenge her. David Littleproud is the same in the LNP. The Australian people deserve to know what the policy offering of the LNP is and the details of it. They can’t get that at the moment because they’re preoccupied with leadership challenges and who’s in and out of the party.

Kovacic: What I would suggest to that, Matt, just one retort if I can, Pete, is just a little reminder that it’s actually Labor who are in government and when it comes to costings and details, it’s the government who should be providing the costings and details to Australians–

Assistant Minister: And we have.

Kovacic: — and they have failed to do that on policy after policy after policy. So, I would suggest that they perhaps focus on governing rather than providing commentary on the goings on of the opposition.

Stefanovic: Can I just, on that point, Maria, can I ask, I know it’s a speech today from Sussan, but I mean, is it, how much do you want to drop those personal income taxes when it comes to those lower and middle ends?

Kovacic: Well, it’s really important that Sussan has the opportunity to articulate that clearly today in her speech. But what I will say is that it will be based on lowering taxes and rebuilding our economy. Our economy has literally been trashed by this government. We have seen unemployment rise again, we have seen productivity plummet, we have seen living standards crash to the lowest levels in the OECD, and that is under the watch of this government. That’s the job that they are doing, and it’s a pretty bad one.

Stefanovic: Maria and Matt, we will have to leave it there. Appreciate your company this Monday morning, though. See you next week.

Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Paula Ganly as Australia’s next Ambassador to Jordan.

Jordan is a key partner for Australia in the Middle East and an important anchor for regional stability.

Jordan and Australia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Our relationship is underpinned by security and defence cooperation and growing commercial ties, which we look forward to developing further.

Ms Ganly is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary of the Consular and Crisis Management Division.

She has previously served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador to Iraq and through other postings in the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Venezuela.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Bernard Lynch for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Jordan since 2021.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

In Australia we value the rich diversity of our multicultural identity, underpinned by a commitment to pluralism and the inalienable right to belonging.

We do not take this for granted.

Like the majority of Australians, I was dismayed to see a number of anti-immigration protests unfold around the world earlier this year. It was particularly saddening for me to see these protests reach Australia in August. You may have heard some of the hateful and hurtful language from these rallies, including comments which singled out Indian Australians.

It is important to note these protests did not draw significant crowds in Australia. I want to be clear that the divisive views of this minority are not shared by the Australian Government nor the overwhelming majority of Australians.

A study by the Scanlon Foundation, out today, found that 83 per cent of Australians think multiculturalism is good for our country.

I, and the Australian Government, unequivocally stand for multiculturalism – not just as a policy first introduced in the 1970s but as a true reflection of our national identity. We stand against those who would seek to sow divisions in our country or intimidate any one of our migrant communities.

To those few in Australia who say immigrants should “go home,” I say: “we are home”.

And the Australian Government backs our words with action. Our government’s policies underscore our commitment to inclusion and social cohesion.

Earlier this year, I had the honour of opening Australia’s first national Office for Multicultural Affairs, to not only celebrate the richness of our diversity but also to acknowledge multiculturism as a fundamental aspect of our identity – it is key to who we are.

Today, multiculturalism is woven into the social and cultural fabric of modern Australia. From Lunar New Year to Diwali and Rosh Hashanah – these events are celebrated in small towns and big cities, from coast to coast.

Australia is a country defined by migration built on the foundation of the world’s oldest continuing culture on the planet. Our story starts with deep historic roots, dating back over 65,000 years with our First Nations Australians. And building on this ancient and proud culture, generations of new Australians have come from countries across the world to make Australia their home. They have done so to access a world-class education system, to take up career opportunities, to find safe harbour for their families, or – as my family did – to access opportunities that were not available in the country we were born.

Over generations, each group of migrants has brought with them hopes and dreams for a new and brighter future. Their hard work and effort have contributed to a stronger and more prosperous Australia – and a nation connected by our people, to our region and the world.

Migrant families have played such a vital role in Australia’s economic success and continue to add depth to our social and cultural richness.

Like me, over half of Australians were either born overseas themselves, or has a parent who was born overseas. I came to Australia from Egypt with my parents when I was just two years old and my family settled in Sydney’s western suburbs. We quickly became part of the local community, together with neighbours from Greece, China and the former Yugoslavia.

Today, Indians make up the fastest growing and second largest group of migrants to Australia. But Indians were also amongst the very first migrants to Australia, and centuries ago, it was the Indian traders who connected Australia with the rest of the world and Indian cameleers who connected outback Australian communities and towns.

There are now more than one million people of Indian heritage who call Australia home. They are making remarkable contributions across every sector of society: from medicine and engineering to education, hospitality, and the arts. Their entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the thousands of small businesses they have established, enriching the local economies in which they live.

But they do so much more than that. Indian Australians also make positive contributions to their local communities. Whether it be through charitable organisations, sport or religion they are making a difference.

Our Indian Australians are the physical embodiment of the unique connection between our two countries – they have brought Australia and India closer.  And to ensure we continue strengthening and investing in this vital relationship, we recently established the Centre for Australia-India Relations. The Centre is helping to build friendships and connections across business, the creative arts, education and importantly in our local communities.

Whether you come to Australia for study, work opportunities, a holiday, or to live permanently, each visit strengthens our bond.  And if you’re considering coming to Australia, know this: we welcome you with open arms.

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

20 October 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period (e.g. clients required to use the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS)).

Information

Due to scheduled system maintenance, there will be a scheduled service disruption (service degradation) to COLS between 23:00 to 23:45 Friday 24 October 2025 (…

Source: Australian Ministers 1

BEN MURPHY, HOST: Regional Express Airlines, also known as REX, has found a US buyer after the carrier went into voluntary administration last July. Administrators confirmed that they had entered into a sale and implementation deed with Minneapolis-based company AirT. Catherine King is the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Good morning.

CATHERINE KING, FEDERAL MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Good morning. Ben.

BEN MURPHY: Thank you so much for joining us. You said yesterday the government has welcomed this news. Why is this a positive thing for Australia?

CATHERINE KING: Well, we’ve been at pains throughout the course of the last year while REX has been in administration to want to make sure that REX continues as a service provider to regional Australia. And that’s been incredibly important to the government. It’s why we stepped in to assist the administrators to really take the time that they needed to actually get a commercial outcome here. So getting a buyer for REX is important. Now it’s not finalised yet. They’ve entered into a deed of sale. It is, of course, as the law requires, now subject to a creditors’ meeting, and creditors will need to determine whether they accept this bid. But we’re a fair way down the track, but that’s now the next stage. So we’re a bit constrained about what we can say at this stage. But it’s now made public by the administrators that this sale and implementation deed has been entered into and now the creditors will have to vote on that, and let’s go from there.

BEN MURPHY: Well, would it be safe to say that there were concerns there would be no interest in buying REX, as it’s been 15 months since they went into administration?

CATHERINE KING: Well, it’s certainly taken time, and there were some real challenges with REX. Obviously, their fleet is made up, they own a lot of the Saab aircraft, they’re now ageing, and getting access to parts for that is really challenging. And obviously, there was decisions made by the previous board of REX that have really made it a fairly challenging operation to turn around. And so having that time, and what the administrators asked us for. They needed time. We wanted to keep the airline flying. The customer guarantee, I’m so grateful to all of the people who’ve continued to put their faith in REX and fly with them. That’s been really important to just be able to keep the business going so we could get time to actually get the right buyer in place. And the administrators have had that time because the government stepped in to allow that to happen.

BEN MURPHY: We’re speaking with Catherine King this morning, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and we’re very thankful she was able to squeeze us in on such short notice. Catherine, here in Mildura, there are lots of concerns about the cost of flights and access. Do you think that the ownership might open doors for cheaper flights or more flights even?

CATHERINE KING: Well, I think a couple of things. One is this buyer has access to, it runs a huge fleet of Saabs itself. It also has access to a significant number of parts. So it’s able, hopefully, to get a few more aircraft operating across REX’s fleet. So that will be a good thing. The other is, obviously, we want to keep that sort of competitive tension. And really the only player in town to compete, frankly, with Qantas has really been REX. And we need that sort of market concentration for regional to actually be able to provide that competition so let’s hope so but we’re a way out from any of that yet. We’ve got to get through this creditors meeting and then obviously the business needs to consolidate and be able to make sure that it can continue to operate in Australia. And then our view very firmly has been that we’d be looking at expansion.

BEN MURPHY: Do you think there’s anything the government can do to ensure the viability of regional airlines going forward? Like if the company needs to cut costs, do you think flights to locations such as Mildura could be at risk? And if so, how can we protect that?

CATHERINE KING: Well, these are always, of course, because these are private companies, there are commercial decisions at play. And really the biggest issue in regions is often demand and just the demand versus the cost. And so obviously there are a number of state governments, for example who do subsidise intrastate flights because the Commonwealth doesn’t do that. We sometimes assist with interstate so there are some states who do that for medical purposes. I think Victoria does do some of that and so there is money that flow through regional airlines, but it really is one of the things we’ve discovered through this process is it’s very mixed across the country. And so we’ve asked the Productivity Commission particularly to look at, again, is there anything that could be done to look at regional competitiveness, to look at that price costing, to really shore up regional aviation overall. And they’ll announce the terms of reference for that shortly. But that’s certainly one of the things that’s become apparent through the REX process, that it is a bit patchwork in terms of what states offer what to sort of assist, particularly medical flights and things like that. Some states like Western Australia, for example, subsidise the fly-in, fly-out workforce for regional flights, and they do that substantially through individual contracts with airlines. So some states do that and other states don’t do that as well.

BEN MURPHY: I think it’s one of those things that’s definitely quite stressful for a lot of people that live here. Like, Mildura has been left feeling a little bit short-changed recently with no promises for a passenger train. Qantas has pulled out of its staff base. Flights tend to be expensive. Is there any hope for people here the future of transport here in the Mallee?

CATHERINE KING: Yeah, absolutely. I think the first thing is that, you know, REX, really, in essence, without our intervention, you know, I don’t think REX would be flying today. And I think that’s been really important. I think we didn’t also want to, didn’t we just want to throw money at it. We needed to try and make sure that we’ve got really substantial, it is an investment the Commonwealth has made to keep the administration going, to put in place a customer guarantee, to make sure that we can continue to get that service opportunity and I think it’s really important that, as I said, to have faith that REX is flying. It’s going to continue to fly. It’ll continue to fly to the regions and be Australia’s regional aviation backbone alongside a lot of other smaller regional airlines that also do fly into areas and that there’s confidence that, you know, we do have a regional carrier here in Australia. And as I said, we’ve still got a little way to go with the creditors having to have to make a decision about this, but it’s been important to get the time to actually try and get the right outcome for regional Australia here.

BEN MURPHY: Catherine, just quickly, REX was previously Singaporean and Australian owned and based in Mascot, New South Wales. The new owners are based, or the possible new owners are based solely in America. Is that a bit of a loss for Aussie business?

CATHERINE KING: No, because it’s all, they’ll be an Australian-owned entity. That is one of the requirements. They’re an Australian-owned entity subject to Australian law and Australian employment law. So they’ll still, it’ll be an Australian company, sorry, an Australian company, still owned and still operated, obviously, under Australian law. So all of the employment and those sorts of things will continue. But again, creditors will need to have a look at the terms of the deed and the implementation and make a decision from there.

BEN MURPHY: Well, I think that’ll calm a lot of stress and concerns that people have. Thank you so much for your time, Catherine.

CATHERINE KING: Yep, you’re welcome. 

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

It’s Children’s Week! A week to recognise the importance of safety and wellbeing in a child’s life.

Source: Australian Ministers 1

The first of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components for South Australia’s biggest infrastructure project have arrived in Adelaide. 

This marks a major milestone to deliver the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Government’s $15.4 billion non-stop North-South Corridor.

This shipment includes a massive TBM cutterhead delivered in five pieces, with the largest and heaviest centre section weighing around 175 tonnes and measuring 9 metres in diameter.

Once assembled, it is approximately 15 metres in diameter, roughly the height of the AFL goal posts at the Adelaide Oval. 

The components will be transported on Saturday night from Port Adelaide to the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project Southern Precinct in Clovelly Park, requiring progressive road closures. 

They will then be reassembled and commissioned ahead of tunnelling works starting in the second half of 2026. 

The T2D Project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments and is expected to support around 5,500 jobs per year during construction, with 90 per cent of labour hours undertaken by South Australians. 

In total, three large-scale TBMs, each more than 100 metres long, will be used to construct the twin 4.5-kilometre Southern Tunnels and twin 2.2-kilometre Northern Tunnels, as part of the $15.4 billion build. 

Two TBMs will launch from the project’s Southern Precinct in Clovelly Park, while the third is set to launch from the Central North Precinct at Richmond, making the T2D Project an Australian first of three TBMs operating at the same time. 

Once complete, the T2D Project will create a non-stop South Road, allowing motorists to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights and cut travel times by up to 40 minutes in peak traffic.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is an exciting step forward in building the non-stop South Road, which will create thousands of jobs, boost productivity and better connect communities in south west Adelaide.

“This project is a clear demonstration of the Australian Government’s commitment, to deliver infrastructure that makes a real improvement in people’s lives.” 

“From Sydney Metro, to Melbourne’s North East Link, and now here in Adelaide, TBMs are tunnelling through our major projects, creating world-class transport connections.”

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke:

“The arrival of these first TBM components is more than just a delivery, it’s the next step in a project that will reshape South Australia’s transport future. 

 “The TBMs will be the largest infrastructure equipment in the state. Each will be approximately 100 metres in length and the cutterhead will be 15 metres tall. 

“This colossal cargo made a safe voyage and now it’s time to make history underground. 

“These machines will drive real progress, supporting local jobs and helping deliver a non-stop South Road that will reshape the way we move through Adelaide.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost:

“It’s really exciting to see the first TBM components arrive in Adelaide.

“This marks the beginning of a whole new chapter for South Australia’s largest infrastructure project.

“Once complete, the non-stop South Road project will allow motorists to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington, improving travel times for South Australian motorists by up to 40 minutes in peak hour traffic.

“This is part of a coordinated strategy to manage traffic in the southern suburbs, along with the recently opened Majors Road on-off ramps, and the tram overpasses, making commuting safer and more direct and returning local roads to locals.”

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

16 October 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal.

Information

Start time:

As of: 12:00pm Thursday 16 October 2025 (AEST).

Detail:

The Biosecurity Portal is currently experiencing an unplanned service disruption. As a result, users are unable to lodge…